Matt Murphy highlights Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation's community support initiatives

The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council held a regular meeting on June 3, 2025, where community engagement and local initiatives were at the forefront of discussions. The meeting featured a presentation by Matt Murphy, the Community Outreach Director of the Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation (MFCF), who detailed the foundation's mission and activities aimed at enhancing community welfare.

Murphy introduced the MFCF, established in 2020 by the Monterey Firefighters Association, which serves various communities including Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and Pacific Grove. He emphasized the foundation's commitment to protecting and strengthening these communities through education, outreach, and stewardship. The foundation's diverse team of firefighters shares a common passion for service, extending their commitment beyond their official duties.

The MFCF organizes numerous free community events, such as the annual Kids Hero Run, Kids Firefighter Challenge, and a Holiday Toy Drive. Additionally, they provide essential resources for first responders and their families, including mental health workshops and support for the families of fallen first responders. Murphy highlighted the foundation's defensible space grant program, which assists vulnerable families in mitigating wildfire risks, as well as their contributions to local youth sports leagues.

Murphy also announced the upcoming annual Firefighters Charity Ball, scheduled for October 18 at Spanish Bay, which serves as a key fundraising event for the foundation. He encouraged community members to support the foundation through sponsorships and donations, underscoring the importance of community involvement in their initiatives.

Following Murphy's presentation, the council moved on to discuss city vacancies in accordance with government code requirements, marking a transition to administrative matters. The meeting underscored the city's ongoing commitment to community engagement and support through local organizations like the MFCF.